Flu impact in Germany
Germany's 2024/2025 influenza season again showed that older adults are at higher risk of serious illness. However, changes in how national data is reported make it harder to capture the full impact. The RKI no longer publishes seasonal totals for influenza-attributable excess hospitalizations, excess deaths, or excess GP visits.
2025/26 Season outlook
German health authorities reported that the flu outbreak began weeks earlier than usual. Pre-order numbers were slightly lower compared to last season and production volumes planned by vaccine manufacturers were also lower.
- STIKO continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination primarily for defined risk groups
- Policy includes preferential options for older adults (high-dose or MF59-adjuvanted vaccines)
- Flu outbreak began weeks earlier than usual
- Pre-order and production volumes for vaccines were lower than last season
Data at a glance
Comparing flu burden across total population and 60+ adults.
30%
Popuplation
Total: 83 Million
Over 60: 25.3 Million
0
Deaths
Total: -
Over 60: -
25%
Hospitalizations
Total: -
Over 60: 44,868
181,105
Flu cases / ICU
Lab-confirmed (2018/19)
€4,162
Cost / Admission
Total: €3,521
Over 60: €4,162
38%
VCR
Total: 31%
Over 60: 38%
General population vs older adults
Side-by-side impact across key metrics for total population and 60+.
Hospital admissions
Total Population: -
Over 60: 44,868 (25%)
Deaths
Total Population: -
Over 60: -
Cost per hospitalization
Total Population: €3,521
Over 60: €4,162
Vaccination coverage rate
Total Population: 31%
Over 60: 38%
Financial burden on Germany
The mean cost per influenza-related hospital admission was €4,162 for adults aged 60+ compared to €3,521 for the total population (2010-2019 data). The Kiel Institute for the World Economy calculated significant economic consequences from flu seasons.
COST PER HOSPITALIZATION
€3,521
Total population
COST PER HOSPITALIZATION (60+)
€4,162
Older adults
2025/26 COST UPDATE
The Kiel Institute for the World Economy calculated the expected economic consequences of the 2023/24 flu season. This seems to be the latest cost estimate.
Policy context & vaccination strategy
STIKO continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination primarily for defined risk groups. Policy includes preferential options for older adults (high-dose or MF59-adjuvanted vaccines). German health authorities reported that the flu outbreak began weeks earlier than usual.
Unlikely that perception research will be explored with Germany. Focus instead on VCR, case studies and potentially system analysis with a deep dive into policy landscape.
Data limitations
The RKI adjusted its reporting approach following COVID-19, no longer publishing seasonal surveillance reports with totals. Historical data from 2018/2019 is used as the last year with estimates of excess disease burden.
Public perceptions of influenza
Survey data coming soon
Local perceptions survey data for France will be added in an upcoming update, including public attitudes toward flu vaccination and risk awareness.
Closing the protection gap in Germany
Whether you shape policy or deliver care, the evidence is clear: older adults need better protection against seasonal influenza. Use this data to drive coordinated, evidence-led change.
Reports & scorecards
Flunomics global reports
Global Report 2.0
Coming Soon
The 2025/2026 global report will be available here.
Global Report 1.0 - English
The 2024/2025 global report with comprehensive data and analysis.
